As the sun goes down, the fun heats up this summer at the San Diego Zoo. From global rhythms and spectacular entertainment to one-of-a-kind moments with your favorite wildlife after dark, join us under the stars for wild and unforgettable experiences—perfect for the whole family.

Hot Diggity Dog (and cat and fish and bird)! Whether you've got a furry friend, a scaly sidekick or a feathered flock, we all agree that pets rock! They bring joy, laughter, and a whole lot of love into our lives. They're our snuggle buddies, our adventure partners, and our loyal companions. This summer we'll celebrate the special bonds between humans and their pets. Join us as we turn the dog days of summer into the cat's meow with thrilling rides, challenging games, mouth-watering food, incredible exhibits, and top-notch entertainment at our Summer Pet-tacular!

Be an Ocean Connector and start your day with birding and brews!

Sip on smooth, nitro cold brew from Trident Coffee as you learn how their values of connection, community, and character align with our conservation mission. Then, head out on a guided walking tour along the Bayshore Bikeway at South San Diego Bay, equipped with binoculars and field guides.

What to Expect:

Coffee Tasting: Kick off the tour with a unique nitro cold brew tasting, crafted locally by Trident Coffee.
Birdwatching Walk: Explore the Bayshore Bikeway with expert guides to spot native and migratory birds.
Ecology & Conservation: Learn about local ecosystems and conservation efforts to protect our coastal wildlife.

Best of all, every tour supports our education programs for South Bay youth!

Get creative at Museum Park- right across the street from The New Children's Museum! Join us for a fun-filled event featuring Janae Marks (she/her), author of A Split Second! Enjoy a live reading, Q&A, and book signing—plus, dive into a hands-on art activity led by our NCM team and take home your very own art kit to keep the creativity going!

Free Museum admission is included with free registration to this author visit, and the first 10 registrants will receive a complimentary copy of the book (limit 1 per family).

A Split Second is geared towards elementary and middle school students, but all are welcome to join us!